Turner Breaks Ground at Alive Hospice – Murfreesboro

The new Residence at Alive Hospice – Murfreesboro will be the first facility of its kind in Rutherford County: a dedicated hospice care facility with beds for inpatient adult and pediatric hospice care, respite hospice care and residential hospice care.

Located at 1629 Williams Drive in Murfreesboro, the 20,000-plus-square-foot building will offer 10 beds for hospice patients (with the ability to expand to 16 beds at minimal expense, pending state approval) as well as a commercial kitchen, dining room and gathering areas for patients’ families. Turner Construction’s Nashville office is working with ESa and Smith Seckman Reid on the design and construction of the building.

Key players in the project’s development, as well as Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland and Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess, participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking at the facility’s future site. Remarks were given by:

Anna-Gene O'Neal, Alive Hospice President & CEO

Dr. Warren McPherson, Alive Hospice Board Member and a Murfreesboro resident (who also serves as co-chair of the Alive Hospice Murfreesboro Advisory Committee and the Alive Hospice Closer to Home Capital Campaign Steering Committee)

Lynn Lien, Alive Hospice Board Member and a Murfreesboro resident (who also serves as co-chair of the Alive Hospice Murfreesboro Advisory Committee and the Alive Hospice Closer to Home Capital Campaign Steering Committee)

Will Wright, Alive Hospice Board Chair

Middle Tennessee charitable nonprofit Alive Hospice specializes in providing compassionate care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses, support for their loved ones, grief counseling for adults and children and education about the end of life. It currently operates two inpatient facilities and also provides home-based hospice care. This new residential facility will provide an added layer of care in the region and convenience for terminally ill patients and their families.

“The community has asked for this facility, and it would not be possible without the support of so many who have given to make it a reality,” said O’Neal. “As we work toward a successful completion of our fundraising campaign, we are asking everyone who believes in the mission of Alive Hospice to contribute what they can. You will be part of building The Residence at Alive Hospice Murfreesboro in a tangible way, and we are asking for your support.”

Over 95 percent of Alive Hospice’s $8.1 million fundraising goal has been fulfilled with the generous support of donors, including Christy-Houston Foundation, Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, Trustpoint Hospital, HCA Foundation, Mark A. Pirtle and Dr. Elizabeth Hay Rhea. The agency hopes to raise the last $300,000 by its 41st anniversary on Nov. 14, 2016.

“Alive Hospice ensures that its patients and their families are comfortable — physically, mentally and emotionally — during one of life’s most trying times,” said Kevin Williams, manager of Turner’s Special Projects Division (SPD) in Nashville. “Alive Hospice often becomes a home away from home for many. We’re committed to working with the agency’s team to fulfill its mission of providing excellent care in a home-like space to its patients.”

To achieve this homey feel, the windows of each resident room will be placed to offer a pleasant view and provide the feeling of being at home or in a comfortable space. Skylights will offer abundant natural light throughout the building. Additionally, patients’ families will have access to multiple family gathering rooms and a courtyard.

Using a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) delivery method, Turner will work hand-in-hand with Alive Hospice, ESa and Smith Seckman Reid to deliver the project on time and within budget, ultimately allowing Alive Hospice to begin serving its mission sooner.

The project’s completion is slated mid-2017.

About Alive Hospice
Alive Hospice is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit health care provider offering compassionate care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families; comprehensive grief support for adults and children; and education about the end of life. Founded in 1975, Alive Hospice was the first hospice organization in Tennessee and one of the nation’s earliest. For more information, visit AliveHospice.org or call 615-327-1085. Alive Hospice’s Mission: We provide loving care to people with life-threatening illnesses, support to their families and service to the community in a spirit of enriching lives. For more information, please visit www.AliveHospice.org/murfreesboro.